|
|
|
|
|
|
And how could it matter to him? And what would be changed if Alinor did join them? Ian knew his reputation was good, and if he had wished to influence Alinor to change her castellans, he would have done that before she renewed the oaths of fealty. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ian answered polite enquiries about Isobel in which neither man was very interested. He had a substantial fund of small talk, as any courtier did, but made no effort to introduce it. Let Sir Peter choose the subject. Ian stretched his long legs toward the fire. Although it was mid-August now and even the nights were warm, summer never really passed the massive stone walls that wept moisture constantly from their rubble filling. Fires burned all year round, smaller in summer, but welcome nonetheless. Rolling his wine goblet between his hands and sniffing occasionally at the rising aroma, Ian looked as relaxed and contented as a big cat. And, like a cat, he was quite ready to spring from quiescence into activity on the instant. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The inner alertness seemed out of order when, having exhausted the subject of the Countess of Pembroke's family and childbearing, Sir Peter asked, "Do you think this quarrel between the king and the Pope is like to grow into a dangerous matter?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Yes," Ian replied soberly. "Both men have gone too far to retreat gracefully. I am sorry for it. I know Langtonthe new archbishopand he is such a man as should have that power. Also, I will say plain that I did not wish to see the Bishop of Norwich elevated to the primacy of the Church in England. He had neither the strength nor the courage to stand against the king at such times as it would be needful." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"You are concerned for tomorrow. I was thinking more about today." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"I do not see your meaning. It is true that King John has cast the monks out of Canterbury and seized the archepiscopal estates, but even if the Pope should condemn him roundly, even if he should punish him with |
|
|
|
|
|